Neurotoxicology: A New Scientific Challenge,

The science of neurotoxicology is in its infancy. The scale of the problem has been recognized, the scope of the discipline defined, and a preliminary classification of neurotoxic response developed. Some information is available on the relative frequency of neurotoxic response developed. Some information is available on the relative frequency of neurotoxic disease in developed and developing countries, and in which environmental or social niches these diseases occur. The challenge facing basic and clinical neurotoxicologists is to understand how these diseases develop and how they can be prevented. Since many neurotoxic conditions mimic naturally occurring neurological diseases, investigations designed to determine the biological actions of neurotoxic chemicals will undoubtedly illuminate other types of nervous-system compromise. Viewed from this perspective, the neurotoxic agent is not only a threat to human health, but also a powerful investigatory tool.